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The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers serve as the biggest tourist attraction in the city -- attracting over 250,000 visitors each year -- but visitors will find a number of family-centric destinations to explore during a family getaway to the Florida coast. When planning vacations for families in Fort Myers, Florida, travelers can enjoy beachfront activities, and visit several cultural sites and attractions that teach visitors about native wildlife and Florida's ecosystem.

Family Activities

Lovers' Key State Recreation Area offers a number of options for families, including camping, picnicking, shelling and wildlife watching. The two-mile long beach is accessible by the boardwalk and tram, and features over five miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, biking and walking.

Families may also consider taking catamaran cruise around Fort Myers Beach. Estero Bay Express offers guided catamaran tours where guests can learn about the ecosystem and see a variety of native birds, marine mammals and wildlife. The 1.5 hour Eco Dolphin Tour is a narrated tour of Estero Bay and is designed for visitors of all ages. Passengers have the opportunity to look for manatees, dolphins and other native wildlife on the cruise.

Lovers Key State Park

8700 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

239-463-4588

Estero Bay Express

Fish Tale Marina

7225 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33913

239-463-3600

Family-Friendly Attractions

A shell museum and store, a flea market and a beach park are some of the family-friendly attractions located in Fort Myers Beach and the surrounding area. Families can spend the day at Bodwitch Point Regional Park to enjoy the sun and sand, and a picnic on the Village Deck. The park is accessible by a trolley ride to the northern tip of Fort Myers.

The Shell Factory features hundreds of varieties of shells for purchase, and can be an attractive destination for families who want to see and touch the coral and seashells of the coast of Florida. The site is also home to a nature park and botanical gardens. Visitors can explore the Rainforest Aviary to see parakeets and Amazon forest parrots, as well as exhibits featuring iguanas, snakes, alligators and emus.

Families interested in spending a few hours shopping for bargains can head to the Fleamasters Flea market that features millions of discounted goods, including souvenirs, clothing, Florida memorabilia, home decor, jewelry, antiques and collectibles. The venue hosts live music and entertainment most nights of the week.

Bodwitch Regional Park

50 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

239-765-6794

leeparks.org

Shell Factory

2787 North Tamiami Trail

Fort Myers, FL 33903

239-995-2141

shellfactory.com

Fleamasters

4135 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33916

239-334-7001

fleamall.com

Typical Weather

Florida in

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The temperature in Florida in May tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Florida in May is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Florida in May is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Several resorts and hotels on Fort Myers Beach cater to families with on-site children's activities, themed pools and apartment-style suites furnished with a full-kitchen. The Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa features an "Octopool" undersea fantasy swimming pool with giant shells, as well as a Kids Kamp with supervised children's activities. The DiamondHead Beach Resort features apartment-style suites and hosts a Kid's Camp for children between four and 11 years. Both of these destinations are located within walking distance to the beach.

About the Author

Sabah Karimi is a professional Web and print copywriter. She specializes in several niches including travel, fashion, beauty, health, fitness, lifestyle and small business. Karimi has an educational background in business administration and marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

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